So, I haven't been able to breathe out of my nose for over 20 years. (I'm 27 now.) Nor can I smell anything. I've been through 4 specialists and two GPs and none of them have answers for me.

In Layman's terms, my sinuses drain into my throat because there is no way for my nasal fluid to go anywhere. (Think postnasal drip that you get from a cold, except my throat is so used to the postnasal drip that my throat is not irritated from it anymore.) The fluid can't go through my nose because my nose is literally blocked. Drs have tried, tried, and tried to look up my nose, but they said they can't see anything because it's completely blocked. In fact, they all agree that the blocked nasal passage is the exact reason my sinuses drain into my throat, the exact reason my ears pop, and the exact reason my hearing is slightly affected. I also cough nonstop and sometimes the fluid gets near my lungs.

I've tried: 2 allergy tests, Flonase, Zyrtec, Xyzal, Claritin, Benadryl, Tylenol, GI upper endoscopy (in case reflux was irritating my sinuses), protonix, Pepcid, and CT scan. Nada. My CT scan last Thursday was my last hope, but it came back normal. My ENT doctor is trying to help, but idk.

I feel highly discouraged. I feel like all of this is currently triggering a depression, but I don't know if it's situational and/or chemical. Who ****ing knows. I feel completely hopeless because I'm a medical mystery.

On top of all that, I have mild, (mostly) persistent psychosis and I don't know what's even wrong with me anymore in that regard. I did an evaluation, but who knows what the **** that's going to say. All I know is that I hear voices, hear unusual sounds, see lights, get psychic visions (which I now know are fake), experience paranoia, and get derealization from stress induced by the psychosis. I could be a medical mystery with that too, for all I know.

[Slightlydelusional]

I feel your pain as I have something very similar but have a sense of smell.

Ive had a sore throat and stuff nose going on ten years. I have massive ringing in my ears and excessive saliva at times that makes me feel like Im drowning.

Ive been to over ten ENT doctors in 5 countries (lived abroad when this started). I ended going to one of the best in the country and he basically shrugged his shoulders and told me, "I cant find anything wrong with you".

I gave up because all the doctors visits were sending me into depression.

People around me think Im making this **** up but its been horrifying.

Stress makes is worse for sure.

I can no longer cry as it makes it 1000% worse and have to stiffen my emotions when Im about to cry.

I hope u can find relief as this no fun.

[*Laurie*]

I'm genuinely sorry, blue. It's a terrible feeling to be a medical mystery. Doctors work within such a tight paradigm; sometimes that can be frustrating. I have had some freaky side effects from meds...is it at all possiblr that meds could be causing your issue (even if MD's say they aren't)?

[~Christina]

I went through all that Sinus nonsense finally found a doctor that actually helped.. I had sinus surgery and it changed my life .. I can breathe and smell again...... I am no longer chronically sick all the time.... I still get an ear infection a year that it ruptures ( total suckage) ... Hopefully your ENT can continue to work with you, you need a answer...

I honestly think you just havent found the "right combo " of meds and also Therapy ... Maybe a PHP or IOP would help you settle your mind and escape the constant distress.

I really feel bad for you

[Blueberrybook]

I am so sorry. It's awful to feel like you're a medical mystery. I have some lower leg swelling that baffles doctors. It came on when I switched to a low dose birth control pill, but it hasn't gone away since even though I have not been on the pill for decades and have been through childbirth (some people feel this "resets" the female hormone system) and breastfeeding. I've looked elsewhere too, vitamin/mineral deficiencies and such and no one has the answers. I've had to give up on it.

I'm sorry about the psychosis. I had mild psychosis once, and it was awful. I remember I kept telling people I could not distinguish between reality, that if I really was saying something or if I was just thinking I'd said it. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

[Wild Coyote]

I am sorry you don't have answers yet.

Know that you are loved!


WC

[Tucson]

This should be no problem for a suergeon to take care of. Go to an ENT. Have him recommend a good surgeon. Locating the blockage and doing something about it should not be rocket science to a capable doctor, or specifically a suergeon. It is not like we are talking brain surgery here. I think there are allot of incompetent doctors out there, and very few extremely capable doctors with a good reputation. You may need to scour the Internet for the bona fides of various surgeons. Do not give up.

I hope this problem of yours gets solved.

[Pookyl]

Im considered a medical mystery also. Doctors almost rub their hands with glee when they see me coming. They tell me “you’re remarkably healthy given how much wrong you’ve got going on”.
I think when I’m depressed it’s bipolar not situational. Someone else in my shoes would feel elated that they’ve made it into their 40’s.

[bizi]

When you say specialists do you mean ENT'S????
thanks
bizi

[Tucson]

ENT = Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist. Another is orthopod, an orthopedic surgeon.